The festive showcase at Collage is only the beginning of the celebrations that are set to unfold at the Chennai-based multi-designer store. “We turn 15 this year and are working on an interesting lineup of events and showcases. We are kick-starting things with Diwali,” says Latha Madhu, founder of the store.
Bringing together crowd favourites from brands like Raw Mango, Pero, Jayanti Reddy, Mrinalini Rao and Payal Khandwala, the Diwali Sparkle is also set to introduce younger brands to the city. “We have curated the labels keeping in mind the current trend of upcycling and recycling fashion. While there are trendy festive garments, there are also classic pieces that can be used as occasion and party wear too.” Here’s a look at some of the brands that are debuting their lines in the city.
Above the fold
Kiran Uttam Ghosh’s collection is motivated by naturally occurring structures — especially those that resemble wrinkles and folds. “I think folds, as they appear in nature, are representative of the flexible and fluid form of the universe. Translate this into silhouettes and you arrive at fluid garments that allow easy movement.” Transposing these fluid forms into her designs, the festive wear collection, Forms & Folds combines cinched waistlines, exaggerated sleeves, dramatic pleating and flowy hemlines as skinny dresses, A-line and cross-cut kurtas, flared pants and fluted skirts. With the main focus on textures, the collection makes use of organza, georgette, satin and chiffon in a colour palette of fuchsia and jewel tones like deep emerald, ruby, merlot, sapphire and amethyst. Rs 15,000 onwards.
All that glitters
A fashion and apparel designer by qualification, New Delhi-based Ritika Sachdeva’s experiments with creating jewellery started out as a DIY project nearly 10 years ago. Specialising in handcrafted silver jewellery, this season sees the 37-year-old taking up rack space at Collage for the first time. “We have created a special collection with gold-plating for Chennai,” explains the NIFT graduate, affirming that gold variants of her design work better in the city. Heavily inspired by trial patterns, this festive collection called Shine On takes its design cues from the cosmos and features motifs like the crescent and half moon, the sun, and stars. “In tow, we used mirror work for the first time, and that fits into the philosophy of the collection.” Look out for oversized earrings, chokers, long necklaces and more from the brand. Rs 6,000 onwards.
Matter of drape
Pinkey Agarwal’s collection focuses on stylistically innovative garments that are wearable off the ramp, as well. “The silhouettes that are part of the Mystic Curves collection are experiments with different types of draping techniques on lush flowing fabrics like satin, crêpe, and crêpe lycra.” Keeping surface techniques to a minimum, the Hyderabad-based designer’s collection uses minimal oxidised Zardosi work, in addition to French knots in pastel hues on a range of dresses, tops, and skirts. Offering a transitional collection, that works both as festive and occasion wear, Pinkey tells us that she has opted for a colour palette that includes off-white, ivory, mauve and lilac. Rs 18,000 onwards.
rebecca@newindianexpress.com
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